Overall :: This was the worst experience we?ve had with a business we found through Angie?s List. Steve Lauer, who represented The Basement Men as project manager, but is unprofessional, unethical, and has no respect for the homeowner?s needs. About the only good thing that came of our dealings with The Basement Men, is that the sub-contractors did some very nice work. Steve came to our house to remodel our basement. We were out of town at the initial basement review, but Steve met with our friend at our house to discuss the basement plans. Steve was specifically told from the beginning that the project would be completed with a building permit, and that our friend would act as the foreman of the job. My wife is disabled and weakened by Parkinson?s disease and years of cancer treatments so it?s important to keep her stress at a manageable level. Steve presented the contract to us on January 2, 2014. Steve presented himself as sloppy and inappropriate, wearing ripped up jeans to basically what was a job interview. I don?t expect contractors to come in wearing a 3-piece suit, but I also expect their dress and appearance to be one of respect and general care for ?selling? his services (Strike #1). The ?ripped jeans? look is a throwback from the ?80?s and is for 20-somethings. NOT for a professional business man who is the front man of the business. We overlooked Steve?s initial appearance faux pas, chalking it up to it being the day after New Year?s Day. We should have followed our first instincts from the beginning, but we were eager to get our basement finished so we could bring in a live-in aide for my wife. The first words out of Steve?s mouth when we began reviewing the contract were to pressure us to complete the work without a building permit (Strike #2). We told him AGAIN that the work would be done with a building permit. You would have thought once was enough, but sure enough, he brought up wanting to do the work without a permit multiple times throughout our first meeting. Again, this should have been a BIG red flag, but we were swayed by a very attractive contract price. We signed with Steve that day and were assured that he would have the documentation to us within 2 weeks that we needed for the REQUIRED village building permit. By the time we realized that Steve was giving us the run-around and doing everything he could to avoid doing the work with a building permit, it was too late to cancel the contract. It took 7 weeks to get the licenses, proof of insurance, and architectural drawings so we could apply for a building permit. The first architectural drawing was not even completed to the specifications that are outlined in the village building regulations. As we discussed with Steve about fixing the architectural drawing, WE had to remind HIS ARCHITECT multiple times of the village requirements about the specifications that must be documented on the drawings. After WE went back to HIS architect multiple times, the final drawing still did not provide all the required documentation, and was accompanied by a letter to the village written by the architect discussing the village building inspector concerns and items that were missing from the drawing . . . . a letter that was dated July 2012. The application date was 2014. The lack of attention to detail was just another sign of the lack of professionalism that entered our experience with Steve Lauer. We eventually did get the village building permit and work eventually started near the end of February. It was too late though as the ?fight? with Steve just to get documentation had taken its toll on my wife?s health (Strike #3). Unfortunately we were in for over $10k with Steve so we could not cancel the contract without losing money. Over the next 8 weeks, Steve continued to show up to our home in the ripped jeans look. His sub-contractors were better dressed than Steve was. The basement included a wet bar, a handicap accessible bathroom, bedroom, family room, gaming room and a sewing room. We had numerous problems with Steve with the wet bar and with the bathroom. We settled on a dry wall ceiling with the caveat that access panels would be put in for HVAC dampers, a water shut off valve, and any and all junction boxes. Not only did STEVE?S dry waller?s actually cover some existing ceiling vents, they didn?t bother to open the HVAC dampers to the basement vents. Of course they were closed previously because we didn?t use the basement and didn?t want to be heating and air conditioning at unused space. Obviously we would want heat and AC to be directed to the finished basement (i.e., open dampers). We had another argument with Steve and his subs about putting in the ceiling access panels that were agreed upon. Steve actually blamed US for having to redesign the wet bar when it was HIS architect who made the mistake on the drawing. HIS architect did not account for the HVAC duct work that was where the wet bar wall was supposed to go. Steve blamed us for the redesign and its effect on the work schedule. All we did was remove a free standing island and make the wet bar an ?L? shape. NOT a major redo. After two weeks of waiting for HIS kitchen designer to find time to work with us, we chose to go to another source for the wet bar cabinets and countertop. Again, additional aggravation on my wife and her health, which had declined since the start of our dealings with Steve Lauer. Steve misled us about what the bathroom shower would ultimately look like and what it would include. Steve did not build the handicap accessible bathroom to our specifications (Strike #4). As it stands now, the shower enclosure is not ADA compliant. To make it right would cost us 10?s of thousands of dollars more just to make it right. We ended up having to hire a separate plumber to do the some of the plumbing work in the shower that Steve said could not be done. Steve misinformed us about installing in-floor heating underneath laminate. Fortunately we had somebody else put in the flooring, because we had to spend another $1k to fix the heated floor mat in the sewing room to prevent a fire or other damage caused by putting a heating element UNDER a laminate floor! We have since found out from the manufacturer of the in-floor heating unit that the warranty on the heating mat is void because the required resistance testing was not completed at installation. The purpose of a resistance test on the mat is to ensure it is wired correctly and will not cause fire or other damage to the house. Throughout all this, Steve refused to work with our friend as the foreman for the work. The stress that Steve caused with all his arguing and refusal to work with our friend ultimately had an effect on my wife?s health. It became obvious that Steve took advantage of my wife?s health challenges and limitations to coerce her into authorizing contract changes that otherwise would not have been authorized if Steve had worked through our friend as stipulated from the beginning. Steve had the nerve to insult our intelligence by telling us that we didn?t know anything about construction contracts. My wife and I both have careers in I.T. M"},"url":"https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/il/highland-park/the-basement-men-and-the-concrete-man-reviews-332547.htm"},"position":8},{"@type":"ListItem","item":{"@type":"LocalBusiness","name":"First Choice Builders","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressRegion":"IL","addressCountry":"US"},"review":{"@type":"Review","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Dawn D."},"reviewBody":"This is just a very professional, knowledgable group of folks that really came in and turned our complete disaster into a space my family can enjoy. The good contractors are worth the wait! We will continue to work with First Choice Builders on our other home improvement projects. "},"url":"https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/il/lake-villa/first-choice-builders-reviews-2350709.htm"},"position":9},{"@type":"ListItem","item":{"@type":"LocalBusiness","name":"MIDWEST CONSTRUCTION CO OF CHICAGO INC","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressRegion":"IL","addressCountry":"US"},"review":{"@type":"Review","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Kathleen K."},"reviewBody":"We asked Brian Koch of Midwest Construction to build a room addition to the rear of our 45 year old home.
|From the first visit Brian knew just what we wanted and took care of all the details from the initial drawings and village approval to the last light fixture installation.
|Midwest uses only professional subcontractors that he knows can be trusted to maintain standard and reputation."},"url":"https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/il/barrington/midwest-construction-co-of-chicago-inc-reviews-2077926.htm"},"position":10}]}
Treehouse Building reviews from real Angi homeowners in Round Lake Park, IL
Caveat emptor!!!! 100% truth with working with this builder. Let the buyer beware!
Lori S.
5.0
12/2017
We have used Classic Builders for many projects over the course of 10 years. Dave is honest, professional and very dependable. He and his subs do very good work with attention to detail and a professional attitude. Dave will tell you if something you want to do won't work and will offer...
Maureen P.
5.0
06/2017
Rock Solid Builders is very professional. The installers were here promptly while working on the deck. Had a minor flaw and have been very responsive.
Richard A.
1.0
05/2014
If you're looking at The Basement Men for your construction project, please think twice before signing a contract with The Basement Men. Overall :: This was the worst experience we?ve had with a business we found through Angie?s List. Steve Lauer, who represented The Basement Men as...
Dawn D.
5.0
02/2014
This is just a very professional, knowledgable group of folks that really came in and turned our complete disaster into a space my family can enjoy. The good contractors are worth the wait! We will continue to work with First Choice Builders on our other home improvement projects.
Kathleen K.
5.0
12/2013
We asked Brian Koch of Midwest Construction to build a room addition to the rear of our 45 year old home. |From the first visit Brian knew just what we wanted and took care of all the details from the initial drawings and village approval to the last light fixture installation....
We are a family owned business with over 40 years of construction experience between us. We specialize in Kitchen and Bathroom Remodels, Basements, General Remodels, Deck Building. Good quality craftsmanship is what we deliver and nothing is more important to us than your satisfaction and referral. 10 employees, billing procedures depend on the job, free estimates.We service the Northern suburbs of Chicago & Southern Wisconsin.
"Remodel went extremely well even with material delays (not ordered through Rowe construction.) They were able to pivot and work on different areas of this extensive remodel. This crew showed up every day and notified us if they were not going to come or if they were delayed.They also pointed out and/or were able to troubleshoot areas of design that wouldn’t look aesthetically pleasing. In addition, they cleaned up the interior each day and regularly picked up construction waste placed in the garage during this process."
Polly K on April 2023
We are a family owned business with over 40 years of construction experience between us. We specialize in Kitchen and Bathroom Remodels, Basements, General Remodels, Deck Building. Good quality craftsmanship is what we deliver and nothing is more important to us than your satisfaction and referral. 10 employees, billing procedures depend on the job, free estimates.We service the Northern suburbs of Chicago & Southern Wisconsin.
"Remodel went extremely well even with material delays (not ordered through Rowe construction.) They were able to pivot and work on different areas of this extensive remodel. This crew showed up every day and notified us if they were not going to come or if they were delayed.They also pointed out and/or were able to troubleshoot areas of design that wouldn’t look aesthetically pleasing. In addition, they cleaned up the interior each day and regularly picked up construction waste placed in the garage during this process."
ONE CALL CAN SOLVE ALL YOUR HOUSE PROBLEMS Professional Handyman Services, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Plumbing, Electrical, Carpentry, Tiling, Flooring Insured Bonded Guaranteed LIVE PHONE HELP Mon-Fri 8-5 email chat after hours... Chicago Home Repair License #2209943
"Excellent work and friendly service. Will use again."
Diane D on September 2025
ONE CALL CAN SOLVE ALL YOUR HOUSE PROBLEMS Professional Handyman Services, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Plumbing, Electrical, Carpentry, Tiling, Flooring Insured Bonded Guaranteed LIVE PHONE HELP Mon-Fri 8-5 email chat after hours... Chicago Home Repair License #2209943
"Excellent work and friendly service. Will use again."
Cardona Services was established by a father and son duo to streamline the construction process. We take pride in being a one-stop shop offering a wide range of services, from minor repairs to full remodels. We always collaborate with our clients to bring their vision to life and ensure they receive a fair price for top-notch work. If you have a concept in mind, let us turn it into reality. Contact us to get started!
"They were awesome. Went above and beyond. The price never changed. They were clean and meticulous and wanted to make sure we were happy. I even decided I wanted a bigger tub after he brought in the original one and I had him take it back. They did not complain or charge me more for the work. They are honest hard working, I can’t say enough positive things. The only negative and not really because it was Christmas time was a slight delay. To make up for that they wanted to work weekends and holidays as well. Pick them you won’t be disappointed."
Heather W on March 2025
Cardona Services was established by a father and son duo to streamline the construction process. We take pride in being a one-stop shop offering a wide range of services, from minor repairs to full remodels. We always collaborate with our clients to bring their vision to life and ensure they receive a fair price for top-notch work. If you have a concept in mind, let us turn it into reality. Contact us to get started!
"They were awesome. Went above and beyond. The price never changed. They were clean and meticulous and wanted to make sure we were happy. I even decided I wanted a bigger tub after he brought in the original one and I had him take it back. They did not complain or charge me more for the work. They are honest hard working, I can’t say enough positive things. The only negative and not really because it was Christmas time was a slight delay. To make up for that they wanted to work weekends and holidays as well. Pick them you won’t be disappointed."
Founded in 2007, DTG Services, LLC specializes in general contracting and complete demolition and remodeling of kitchens and bathrooms as well as flooring, painting, electrical, plumbing and other home improvement services. Located in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, please call us for location and service details. DTG Services, LLC prides ourselves on outstanding quality in workmanship, group products and good customer service. Our mission is simple, provide the best possible service at the most competitive low price with outstanding attention to detail and efficiency.
"Well. Daniel is very knowledgeable and skilled at home restoration.His work is top notch! His assistant did a great job as well. They are both also very personable."
Leslie S on July 2025
Founded in 2007, DTG Services, LLC specializes in general contracting and complete demolition and remodeling of kitchens and bathrooms as well as flooring, painting, electrical, plumbing and other home improvement services. Located in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, please call us for location and service details. DTG Services, LLC prides ourselves on outstanding quality in workmanship, group products and good customer service. Our mission is simple, provide the best possible service at the most competitive low price with outstanding attention to detail and efficiency.
"Well. Daniel is very knowledgeable and skilled at home restoration.His work is top notch! His assistant did a great job as well. They are both also very personable."
Marc Anderson Architects is an easy-to-work Chicago-based full-service architecture and design firm serving the greater Chicagoland area. We listen to our clients to learn and then adopt their goals as our own. These goals focus our work to find the best custom design for each client. Our knowledge of construction methods expands our creative flexibility while also providing cost-effective solutions. With experience in residential, mixed-use developments, commercial build-outs, public institutions, daycare centers, and commercial tenant improvements, MAA is well prepared to help you plan a beautiful, functional space that fits your specific needs.
"After a year of working with us, Marc designed the perfect home for our family. He spent significant time on site to get to know the space and spoke to us frequently to ensure his design met our hopes and dreams. His final design is visually stunning and maximizes space use in a way that reflects both the history of the home and modern preferences. His expertise in Chicago building code and city offices was instrumental in our project being approved quickly. He reviewed bids with us to ensure we selected a GC who could do the job and had competitive pricing. He regularly met and emailed with the GC and suppliers to address issues as they arose during the job so that all were resolved to our satisfaction. Throughout it all, he was just a nice guy to work with during a process that can be very stressful."
Adam P on June 2021
Marc Anderson Architects is an easy-to-work Chicago-based full-service architecture and design firm serving the greater Chicagoland area. We listen to our clients to learn and then adopt their goals as our own. These goals focus our work to find the best custom design for each client. Our knowledge of construction methods expands our creative flexibility while also providing cost-effective solutions. With experience in residential, mixed-use developments, commercial build-outs, public institutions, daycare centers, and commercial tenant improvements, MAA is well prepared to help you plan a beautiful, functional space that fits your specific needs.
"After a year of working with us, Marc designed the perfect home for our family. He spent significant time on site to get to know the space and spoke to us frequently to ensure his design met our hopes and dreams. His final design is visually stunning and maximizes space use in a way that reflects both the history of the home and modern preferences. His expertise in Chicago building code and city offices was instrumental in our project being approved quickly. He reviewed bids with us to ensure we selected a GC who could do the job and had competitive pricing. He regularly met and emailed with the GC and suppliers to address issues as they arose during the job so that all were resolved to our satisfaction. Throughout it all, he was just a nice guy to work with during a process that can be very stressful."
The Handy Veteran is a veteran owned and operated company. We offer free estimates and stand by our motto of professional and dependable services. We want to be the one stop shop handyman for you. We offer active duty and veteran discounts. BOOKED FOR THE REMAINDER OF 2025, NOW BOOKING FOR 2026!
"Brad was awesome! He was so kind and sweet. He took care of the drywall and the painting in the closet. Very professional!"
Anna K on May 2025
The Handy Veteran is a veteran owned and operated company. We offer free estimates and stand by our motto of professional and dependable services. We want to be the one stop shop handyman for you. We offer active duty and veteran discounts. BOOKED FOR THE REMAINDER OF 2025, NOW BOOKING FOR 2026!
"Brad was awesome! He was so kind and sweet. He took care of the drywall and the painting in the closet. Very professional!"
With over 10 years of general contracting and handyman experience, I am here to help address any need or dream you may have.
"Overall Builders and its owner Robert were fantastic. Easy to work with, extremely accommodating, competitive pricing and the quality of work was superb! The tile pattern we chose was extremely challenging and Victor, Robert's tile guy, nailed it! We will, absolutely, use Overall Bulders for all our home remodel/repair needs in the future!"
Dianne R on January 2024
With over 10 years of general contracting and handyman experience, I am here to help address any need or dream you may have.
"Overall Builders and its owner Robert were fantastic. Easy to work with, extremely accommodating, competitive pricing and the quality of work was superb! The tile pattern we chose was extremely challenging and Victor, Robert's tile guy, nailed it! We will, absolutely, use Overall Bulders for all our home remodel/repair needs in the future!"
MH Renovations LLC is a family-owned and operated home improvement company proudly serving Southeastern Wisconsin. We specialize in high-quality, custom renovations tailored to your budget, lifestyle, and vision. With a strong commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail, we deliver results that are both functional and beautiful. Whether you're updating a kitchen, remodeling a bathroom, finishing a basement, or tackling a full-home renovation, we bring care, precision, and professionalism to every project. Your home is treated with the utmost respect—we go the extra mile to keep your space and materials clean, organized, and protected throughout the construction process. We are fully licensed and insured, giving you peace of mind every step of the way. With a wide range of services and a dedication to client satisfaction, we're confident you'll enjoy working with us. Feel free to browse our website and contact us with any questions or to schedule a consultation. We look forward to bringing your vision to life.
"Extremely well. It's nice to work with someone that has a great professional work ethic."
Bethanne C on February 2025
MH Renovations LLC is a family-owned and operated home improvement company proudly serving Southeastern Wisconsin. We specialize in high-quality, custom renovations tailored to your budget, lifestyle, and vision. With a strong commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail, we deliver results that are both functional and beautiful. Whether you're updating a kitchen, remodeling a bathroom, finishing a basement, or tackling a full-home renovation, we bring care, precision, and professionalism to every project. Your home is treated with the utmost respect—we go the extra mile to keep your space and materials clean, organized, and protected throughout the construction process. We are fully licensed and insured, giving you peace of mind every step of the way. With a wide range of services and a dedication to client satisfaction, we're confident you'll enjoy working with us. Feel free to browse our website and contact us with any questions or to schedule a consultation. We look forward to bringing your vision to life.
"Extremely well. It's nice to work with someone that has a great professional work ethic."
I’ve been running my own handyman business for about 4 years. I have work in most of the trades in my life. I have experience with roofing, plumbing, general repairs, and assembly of furniture. Estimates are always free.
"As expected"
Robert B on September 2025
I’ve been running my own handyman business for about 4 years. I have work in most of the trades in my life. I have experience with roofing, plumbing, general repairs, and assembly of furniture. Estimates are always free.
**SPECIALIZING IN CUSTOM COUNTERTOPS**! The perfect countertop can elevate your space from ordinary to extraordinary. For over 27 years, Two Stone Granite and Quartz, has brought custom countertop design and installation to the residents and business owners in Round Lake, IL and the surrounding area. We are a family-owned business, partnering with you to craft the centerpiece of your home or business. We specialize in custom countertop fabrication, seamlessly blending functionality with elegance. Our handpicked selection of stone countertops is second to none, featuring the highest quality granite, marble, quartz, and natural stone. Whether you're in the market for a pristine kitchen workspace or a luxurious bathroom vanity, we meticulously tailor each piece to meet your unique needs. Our passion for stone extends to outdoor patio countertops, ensuring that your al fresco spaces reflect the same sophistication and durability as your interiors. Our personalized approach sets us apart. We offer free quotes and consultations, because we believe in transparency and open communication from the start. Call or click to schedule a FREE Consultation and Estimate today!
"very professional"
Gary Z on June 2025
**SPECIALIZING IN CUSTOM COUNTERTOPS**! The perfect countertop can elevate your space from ordinary to extraordinary. For over 27 years, Two Stone Granite and Quartz, has brought custom countertop design and installation to the residents and business owners in Round Lake, IL and the surrounding area. We are a family-owned business, partnering with you to craft the centerpiece of your home or business. We specialize in custom countertop fabrication, seamlessly blending functionality with elegance. Our handpicked selection of stone countertops is second to none, featuring the highest quality granite, marble, quartz, and natural stone. Whether you're in the market for a pristine kitchen workspace or a luxurious bathroom vanity, we meticulously tailor each piece to meet your unique needs. Our passion for stone extends to outdoor patio countertops, ensuring that your al fresco spaces reflect the same sophistication and durability as your interiors. Our personalized approach sets us apart. We offer free quotes and consultations, because we believe in transparency and open communication from the start. Call or click to schedule a FREE Consultation and Estimate today!
"very professional"
Gary Z on June 2025
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FAQs for treehouse building projects in Round Lake Park, IL
The average cost to hire a handyman ranges from about $40 to $140 per hour. Average project cost ranges between $180 and $700, but the cost per hour and per project depends heavily on the type, size, and complexity of the project. The pro’s experience level and your location also factor into how much a handyman charges per hour or per project. You can also expect to pay higher rates or additional fees for emergency services, or around periods of high customer demand, like holidays.
One starting point to find a local home builder is to collect suggestions from friends and neighbors. However, it’s still wise to do some more research before you hire a builder. Read reviews to supplement any word-of-mouth recommendations. Check sources like Angi that have standards and criteria in place to screen the pros it lists can also help you find more reputable local home builders.
Typically, it’s more affordable to buy an existing home than it is to build a new one. New construction loan interest rates tend to be higher than interest rates for traditional mortgages. Additionally, the cost of materials is likely higher when building a new home than it was when an existing home was built (unless it’s a very new one). You’re also paying for all new appliances, finishes, permits, inspections, and connections for water, gas, and electricity.
Knowing if you need an architect for your project can be tricky, especially if you've never worked with one before. In general, small remodeling projects like replacing fixtures typically don't require the expertise of an architect. However, larger projects, like moving walls or adding an addition to your home, should include an architect to ensure the project is structurally sound.
The cost to build a detached garage for two cars costs about $26,400 on average. Prices range from $19,200 to $33,600, depending on your location, the garage size, height, materials, and site prep required. Additional cost factors include any plumbing, electrical wiring, and insulation. If you need to build a concrete foundation for a new detached garage, you can expect to pay $1,000 to $8,600 for this essential addition.
The Round Lake Park, IL homeowners’ guide to treehouse building services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.